Belief

 A lot of people think that faith comes as a gift or from reading about religion or theology or whatever it is that requires a certain leap.  But I tend to agree with those who say, “Obey first and then faith can follow.”  Action precedes belief.  It is so in recovery programs.  You can read all you want about steps, history, testimonials but none of these things will get anyone sober.  They have to act, or “do the steps” with a guide person.  Religion is the same.  You cannot think your way into religion, or watch believers in their worship actions.  You cannot think about being selfless, as if that would make you selfless.  You leap into action first.  Action fulfills a void inside the person.  Action gets us out of ruts.  Was it not action that led to bad or meaningless behavior, a sense of isolation and emptiness?  So action in hope of change may take you into a new direction.  Hope might well precede action and faith.